Overlapping Expandable Liner Sections for Monobore Wellbore Construction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellbore casing techniques using threaded connections and tubular strings of decreasing diameters face limitations in collapse resistance and long-term reliability, leading to high costs for deep and extended reach wells, and expose fluids to wellbore locations between the surface and downhole locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of overlapping expandable liner sections with centralizers and circumferential seals, lined with materials like epoxy or cement, to create a monobore wellbore with zero gaps and enhanced collapse resistance, eliminating the need for threaded connections and providing improved sealing and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded connections are used to join pipe sections, then ease of assembly is improved, but collapse resistance and long-term reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore casing is divided into multiple expandable liner sections that can be installed sequentially. Each section is expanded independently against the wellbore wall, creating overlapping zones that eliminate gaps and provide continuous sealing without requiring threaded connections between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner sections undergo a parameter change from a compressed/unexpanded state to an expanded state. This expansion transforms the liners from a flexible installable form into a rigid, collapse-resistant structure that maintains its shape and provides long-term reliability under pressure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tubular strings of decreasing diameters are used, then adaptability to different wellbore sections is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable liner sections are designed with universal applicability across different wellbore diameters and depths. The same basic liner design can be expanded to fit various wellbore configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tubular strings with decreasing diameters and simplifying the overall construction process.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional casing techniques are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but collapse resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liner sections transition from a dynamic, flexible state during installation to a static, rigid state during operation. The expansion process transforms the liners from an easily manufactured flexible component into a collapse-resistant rigid structure that maintains its shape and provides mechanical strength under pressure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the risk of fluid exposure, enhances collapse resistance, and lowers construction costs by allowing for longer, more reliable wellbore construction with reduced external pressure and improved sealing, while maintaining the integrity of the wellbore during drilling and production phases.
Implementation Method 1
the overlapping liner sections may be expanded and pressed to provide no gaps along the length of the liner system
Implementation Method 2
the liner sections may include centralizers and/or circumferential seals that provide sealing functions and spaces between the overlapping liner sections
Implementation Method 3
The liner sections may be lined with a suitable sealing material, including an epoxy, cement or another desired material
Data Source
AI summary
A monobore wellbore apparatus and method of construction. The apparatus includes a series of overlapping expandable liner sections. The overlapping liner sections may be expanded and pressed to provide no gaps along the length of the liner system. The liner sections may include centralizers and/or circumferential seals that provide sealing functions and spaces between the overlapping liner sections. The liner sections may be lined with a suitable sealing material, including an epoxy or may be filled with cement or another desired materials.